Judge Robert Bradley

In Washington, D.C., our honorable representatives are weighing the heavy issue of the president’s pending impeachment. In Ventura, a panel of judges is considering whether to admonish an alcoholic judge or bar him from the bench.

A comparison of the alleged crimes requires neither a law degree nor a background in ethics and morality. Driving under the influence is a far more heinous crime than any of which President Clinton is accused. The judicial panel should respect the gravity of this (repeat) offense before rendering a decision. Had an innocent person inadvertently stepped in the path of Robert Bradley’s vehicle, we might be finding a sturdy oak tree for his hanging, not a bench for him to pass judgment on others.

Rather than grieve over Mr. Bradley’s apologia, our first responsibility is the protection of the people of Ventura County and the state of California. Shall we reinstate him and await a legal action from an aggrieved litigant charging the state with non compos mentis [being of unsound mind] by allowing this criminal to again serve on the bench?

This is not a matter of cronyism or politics but of law and of simple common sense.

JEFFREY L. WISSOT, Westlake Village

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Judge Robert Bradley continues to blame his problems on his marriage breakup, which he says caused him to drink.

Everybody has life problems. Not everybody drinks because of their problems. Judge Bradley’s problem is that he drank in reaction to his problems.

Until Judge Bradley sees and accepts that his problem is drinking rather than situations in his life, his problem won’t go away and he will likely continue to drink. Life will continue to happen to the judge. He can’t stop that. It’s his drinking that he can stop, completely.

Any recovering alcoholic knows that. Judge Bradley apparently still needs to learn. He should not get his job back unless and until he accepts this responsibility.

Go to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, Judge, and keep going back. It works when you work it.

AN AA MEMBER WHO REQUESTS ANONYMITY

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Re “Justice Must Be Served,” editorial, Dec. 13.

How would you like to appear as a plaintiff or defendant in front of a judge with questionable moral and ethical qualifications? Soon may be your chance for this wonderful feeling if his fellow judges manage to get Judge Robert Bradley back into his position.

For the past year, this judge has made headlines reflecting his disgusting behavior:

Stopped by sheriff’s deputies for driving drunk, he demanded to be taken home and the deputies complied.

Stopped driving drunk by other law enforcement agencies that did not follow his imposition, he was arrested on two occasions.

Made intimidating statements to police, reminding them “who he was.”

Broke into his wife’s home.

Made ominous telephone calls to his wife.

Kept driving under the influence for quite some time, presenting a danger to children, the aged and handicapped who might have been unluckily crossing his path.

Fled a court-ordered alcohol dependency facility.

Appeared for work inebriated to the point of malfunction, forcing him to be barred from the courthouse.

His abominable behavior is excused by stating that he has a sickness, alcoholism. What a poor excuse for a judge who is supposed to uphold the law. He is the proverbial goat acting as a gardener!

God help us if we ever have to appear in front of such a judiciary product of modern society.

HORST FUNFSTUCK, Camarillo